PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear Thistlelonians, 

I proudly introduce myself as the Principal of McKinnon Secondary College with my Principalship commencing at the beginning of 2023. Prior to this significant appointment I was Campus Principal of the East Campus 2020 to 2022 and Assistant Principal 2010 to 2020.

My educational career commenced at Gladstone Park SC before moving to Mentone Girls’ SC, then Sandringham College. I passionately believe the power of education can positively transform the lives of our young people.  In my opinion there is no greater role than to prepare our young for the challenges and opportunities that lie before them.

My recent qualifications, including a Masters of School Leadership, the Bastow Unlocking Potential program and recent completion of the VAPA (Victorian Aspirant Principal Accreditation) have prepared me for the work ahead. I look forward to leading the school forward and reconnecting with those that have walked these halls before me.

SCHOOL NUMBERS/POPULATION

The school continues to expand with the new campus. Total student population for 2023 is 2,703. We have 273 teaching and Education Support staff, 36 of whom are Thistlelonians.

SCHOOL COUNCIL 

I am grateful to our committed school council members for overseeing and upholding school governance and policies. I thank them for their time and dedication.

PARENT REPRESENTATIVES

Andrew Brough

Vladimir Finn

Carly Griffen (President)

Lana Kaper

Anita Ledger

David Nicolaides (Vice President)

Greg Ritchie

Tim Stephens 

DET REPRESENTATIVES

Harriet Barrow

Jessica Dixon 

Emma Mullane

Phillip O’Brien

CO-OPTED MEMBERS

Daphne Cohen

Geoff Woolnough

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES

Thomas Wever (Year 12)

Gisele Hennequin (Year 11)

REUNION

I am delighted to be hosting both the 50th Afternoon Tea and 2023, Grand Reunion at the new East Campus for the first time. It is such an impressive building and I look forward to welcoming you back to McKinnon, and showing you around. 

Thistlelonians play such an important role in our school history and community and we want to ensure the tradition of connection remains strong.

I look forward to seeing you.

COMMUNITY

Communities are judged on how they treat their most vulnerable, and last week, there was an incredible example of care and kindness demonstrated by some of our students to a vulnerable member of our community. 

A carer from Claremont Terrace Aged Care on McKinnon Road approached a group of our students near the local McDonalds after school. She asked them if they had seen an elderly resident from the Aged Care Centre. The resident had gone for a walk but members of the public had contacted the Claremont Terrace with concerns for her wellbeing. Straight away our students sprung into action calling their friends in surrounding streets to help. Through their concentrated efforts the resident was returned home.

This is outstanding work, and this is living our value of community.  This generosity of spirit is commendable and contributes positively to our society.

Congratulations to these Year 11 students:

Asher Dunne, Luke Kennedy, Kane Vaughan, Aidan Jobling and Kieran Wall.

Kind regards,

Michael Kan

Principal